reigning

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Currently holding a title or championship, usually one won in the most recent contest.

   Grammar: Always before the noun: the reigning champion, not the champion is reigning in this sense.

   Patterns

   • the reigning champion

   The reigning champion lost in the first round.

   She is the reigning world record holder in the 400 meters.

   The reigning Miss Universe handed over the crown.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounformal

   Ruling as a king or queen at the present time.

   Grammar: Comes before the noun: the reigning monarch.

   Patterns

   • the reigning monarch

   The reigning monarch opened parliament.

   Coins carry the head of the reigning king.

   He was the longest-reigning ruler of his dynasty.

Common combinations

reigning champion

The reigning champion defended her title.

reigning monarch

The reigning monarch gave a speech on the holiday.

reigning queen

The reigning queen attended the ceremony.

reigning world champion

The reigning world champion trained in Spain.

reigning supreme

The team has been reigning supreme in the league for years.

Synonyms and how they differ

current

Current is a general word for something happening now, while reigning is reserved for titles and rulers.

defending

Defending is used for a champion who must protect a title in an upcoming match, whereas reigning simply says they hold it now.

ruling

Ruling suits governments and groups in power, while reigning fits monarchs and champions.

incumbent

Incumbent is used for an official who currently holds a post, often in politics.

Opposites

Word family

reign noun

the period during which a monarch rules

reign verb

to rule as a monarch or hold the top position

reigned verb

past tense of reign

Commonly confused: reigning or reining?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “reigning”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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